Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
An Autumn and Winter of Expectation
Last week I wrote of the exciting times that Stephen Dowd was going to bring to Lanesboro with his Sensory Garden, the four Incubator Pods and the Premier Lakelands Food Hub.
It made me think of the many projects that are being examined for Lanesboro and Ballyleague and they results will surely come in the coming months.
Already we have the hugely positive results from Enda Mulryan, Senior Executive, Roscommon County Council and Consultant Engineers Roughan & O’Donovan on the Boardwalk Feasibility Study commissioned by Roscommon County Council. As this study links to the Longford shore the onus is now on Longford County Council to commission and complete the study on the eastern bank. When completed this will be a remarkable walkway unequalled anywhere in Ireland with the most scenic of views.
The results should soon be forthcoming from the preferred consultants who were appointed by Longford County Council to investigate the very original and Ireland’s very first Surf & Turf wave centre on the cutaway bog.
Progress on the proposed Amphitheatre slowed during the year and we look forward to this project progressing with renewed vigour in the coming months and hopefully it will be completed in time for next summer.
We also look forward to seeing work commence on the Lough Ree Distillery.
An Economic and Enterprise Study was carried out by Future Analytics and KPMG for the Lanesboro and Ballyleague with many excellent suggestions especially the proposal of Lough Ree UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve.
Communications have also been made with Failte Ireland in relation to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand and branding for our area and how we can improve and create.
In recent conversations John Hanley, FDT Consulting Engineers and Project Manager has informed me that he has sought more time from Just Transition and his work is really progressing and he is sure there will be exciting results. He has also completed an Insect Protein Production Feasibility Study that shows quite a rewarding return. John has already presented studies on Hydrogen and Technology Clusters to the Just Transition Midlands Regional Transition Team.
A gerontology centre for the area has always bubbled under the surface and it is hoped that the bones will be put to this proposal in the coming months.
I have been told that the Lifebelt bar will reopen in the coming months with exciting plans afoot and we greatly welcome this development.
All of the above is contingent on our community getting the necessary supports from, County Councils, Local TDs, Senators and the Government. To date, as you can seen, there has been tremendous work done locally in trying to stop the brain from the community and creating a new vision for Lanesboro, Ballyleague and surrounding communities.
We are continuously being creative and resourceful in trying to attract tourists and business to our community; I ask where our support is?
Wedding
The marriage took place on Thursday 28th July at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, Booterstown, Dublin of Justine Trautt and Stephen Grant, Ballybough, Dublin.
Justine is the only daughter of Gerry and Martina Trautt and Stephen is the only son of Joe and Tina Grant Kinsella.
The marriage ceremony was Reverend Casey, Dublin. The bridesmaids were Sinead Morris and Michelle Corcoran both childhood friends of the bride while the Bestman was Kevin Kinsella cousin of the groom and Daryl Carter childhood friend of the groom.
The reception took place at the Castleknock Hotel.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss
Threat to Democracy
Last week the main topic of conversation was the robbery of a house and small business premises in Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. A woman in her 94th year along with her two sons in their mid 60s were held captive and robbed in their own home.
At the Garda commemoration of 100 years of the force Garda Commissioner Drew Harris warned of a threat to our democracy but I don’t think that his remarks were in reference to the events of this week and may I say it really should have been. The threat to our democracy comes from the events of last week.
Our democracy will be tested to the fullest if there is nothing done about the spate of robberies being carried out by these violent and highly-organised gangs who speed across the countryside at night in high powered vehicles. According to an excellent article by Roy Curtis in the Sunday World the majority of those gangs are well known to the Gardaí unless they are caught in the act they are virtually untouchable. Roy goes on to say that even if they are caught they will be afforded free legal aid, get bail and be back out to rob again and again. He continues to say that each act of naked hostility is ruining more and more lives.
There is little doubt that our democracy is and will be under threat when the day comes, and it surely will come, that the ordinary people of Ireland will rise against these criminals as they will see no other means of dealing with this scourge on the decent people.
It is very important that all the local community watch groups reinvigorate within every community and be extra alert for ourselves and all our neighbours.
Wedding
The wedding took place in Germany on Monday 1st August of Stephanie Breslin, daughter of Paddy and Anne Breslin, Cloontuskert and Lorenz Weeth son of Christian and Schacki Weeth, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to John Crossan and his family, Lisnacusha on the recent death of his father Vincent (Charles) Crossan, Ardnacassa, Longford Town
Arrival of Ukrainians
During the weekend of 18th August we seen a big number of Ukrainians people arrive in Ballyleague. These people displaced by the war inflicted on their nation by Russia have fled to safety in Ireland amongst other countries. The now empty former nursing home is been used to house a significant number of men, women and children.
We wish them a happy stay with us in our community.
Golden Anniversary
Congratulations to Pat and Frances Kilcoyne on celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary recently. Pat, a native of Achill Island along with Frances and his family and their families returned to his native sod to celebrate their wonderful Golden Anniversary.
Mat Pilates with Regina
A new season of mat Pilates with Regina will commence in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Thursday 8th September with a start time of 7.30pm. For further information please phone 087 2485822.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto Win
Congratulations to Mary O’Neill, Knock who was the lucky winner of the St. Faithleach’s lottery draw on Tuesday last. Mary’s lucky numbers, 5, 16, 24 and 25, made her all of €12,000 richer. The very well supported lotto had been running at the maximum jackpot figure of €12,000 for a long time and everyone was waiting with bated breath on the Tuesday nights of the draw for that magical phone call and it fell on Mary to come up with the magical numbers and her €12,000 reward.
The three winners of the €40 draw were Marian Rice, Theresa Collins and Adrian Fallon.
The next draw will take place at the clubhouse on Tuesday 7th September.
Mid Roscommon Vintage Club
Upcoming Threshing Day
The corn is now stored safely until the big Threshing Day in September. It is the intention of the Vintage Club to have a threshing day of the corn at the Strokestown Agricultural and Industrial Show on Sunday 10th September in the grounds of Strokestown Park House. All vintage enthusiasts are invited to bring any old cars, tractors, machines or equipment they have and they will be displayed at the Mid Roscommon Vintage Club stand on show day. The threshing day should prove to be a novel event bringing back a piece of nostalgia to the older folk and an enlightening experience for the younger generation. So don’t forget to put Saturday 10th September in your diary for the Harvest Day threshing at Strokestown Show.
Garth Brook’s Tickets
The Rathcline club is giving you the chance to win those precious tickets by running a draw for 2 Premium Stand tickets to see the legendary Garth Brook’s in concert in Croke Park in September. There will be four separate draws for 2 Premium Stand tickets for the concerts on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th, Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. Online tickets can be bought at the following link: https://member.clubspot.app/…/rathcl…/fundraiser/tickets There are two ticket options as follows: • Option 1: Buy 1x Ticket for €5 • Option 2: Buy 3x Tickets for €10
The draw for the tickets will take place on Saturday 3rd September in the Yacht Bar Lanesboro at 8pm. Results will be posted on all our online Social Media Platforms. For more information check out: http://www.rathcline.gaa.ie/garth-brooks-concerts-2
Coffee Morning
The Lanesborough branch of Longford hospice is holding a coffee morning on Sunday September 25th from 10am until 12.30 pm in St. Mary’s Hall.
Town Twinning Meeting date set
Create an excitement
The Lanesboro/Ballyleague Town Twinning Team (LBTTT) is inviting you to their AGM in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Tuesday next 6th September. The meeting has a scheduled start time of 8pm. This is an ideal opportunity to become part of this exciting group, to bring up your ideas for discussion at the meeting. New people, new and exciting ideas are required and the outgoing committee is asking you to become involved.
Lanesborough has already been twinned with Lanesborough in Massachusetts, USA and have had representatives from Lanesborough, Massachusetts here in Lanesboro.
It would be great to see a good number enthusing about this very exciting twinning team. It is a wonderful opportunity for the 20/30/40/50 generations to involve themselves in the workings and visiting/hosting our twin towns. We have very inventive and creative people living in our community and your attendance will be greatly appreciated.
Kayaking
Adult Kayaking takes place every Tuesday evening from the old harbour, Ballyleague. The Kayaking will take place from 7pm to 9pm and the cost is €20. Booking is, essential as demand is great, at 0872977769
Young people kayaking every Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm and covers young people from 10 to 17 years. The cost of the 2 hours is €20. Booking is essential at 0872977769.
Defibrillator knowledge saves lives
We all appreciate the expertise that those trained in the use of the defibrillator bring to critical situations. You too can avail of that expertise and become vital cogs in your community. If anyone badly needs this expertise on the use of the defibrillator your new found knowledge in its use can proved extremely vital.
The local defibrillator group is actively seeking new people in the Kilgefin, Ballyleague, Cashel, Killashee and Rathcline Lanesboro areas to become competent in the use of the Defibrillator. The group is also looking to retrain and refresh those that have already completed the course and need to brush up on its use.
If you are interested, please leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien personally in the shop or by phoning 086 3858934 or clynemartina53@gmail.com
Generous Donation
Last week a local man and an avid reader of the local notes home on holidays in Lanesboro recently made a huge contribution to the local Defibrillator Group. The generous donation was greatly welcomed and the group is genuinely delighted and very thankful to the man and his family.
The Defibrillator Group continues to raise funds for the replacement of batteries and pads as well as funding needed to replace and upgrade defibrillators.
An appeal for essential funding is being made and the group is appealing to your generosity to ensure all the upgrades and replacements can take place.
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has saved in recent weeks are well documented.
If you wish to contribute we ask that you donate by leaving money in an envelope marked with your name into Martina or Joe O’Brien at the Corner Shop.
A.G.M.
The Rathcline Senior club will hold their A.G.M. on Saturday 1st October in the Clubhouse in Clonbonny. It is very important that all members and those interested in football and its development in the parish of Rathcline turn up for the meeting.
Championships Ongoing
Rathcline travelled to Cashel on Friday night last where in a thrilling and high scoring game they emerged winners over Clonguish. They will return to Cashel on Friday night next for their final league section game against Carrickedmond. Where a victory will see them qualify for the quarter final of the Peter Hanley Senior Championship.
St. Faithleach’s will travel to play Western Gaels in Strokestown on Saturday next 3rd September at 6pm.
Support for both games is very important to help encourage the teams over the winning line
New CD continues to sell well
Frank Nelson has just released a new CD called ‘I’ll Put the Kettle On’. Frank has been very active on the music scene for over 30 years and the quality of his music and dances/shows is testimony to the reason he has been so popular. Frank is inexhaustible when it comes to releasing high quality CD’s.
This time he has really hit the high times with the quality and songs included. It is a must for followers of Frank and lovers of country music.
CDs are available in O’Brien’s costing just €15
Sunday night Card Game
The Sunday night card game continued on Sunday night last. The results from last Sunday night 28th August are 1st Peggy & Kevin. 2nd Anne & Kay. The last game winners were Tom & Tommy. The raffle winners were Josie Connaughton, Eugene Kelly, Johnno & Ano. Raffle winners were Eugene Kelly, Barney Kenny, Joe Dolan & Kay. The game continues every Sunday night where the first cards are dealt at 8.30pm sharp. Light refreshments served.
Boat Trips
Lough Ree Access for all boat is a boat built for you is offering three sailing trips a day 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. This is a great trip of fascination onto Lough Ree and an
Soccer for Ladies
There has been a great take up in the numbers that have taken to the soccer fields for the newly formed Ballyboro Ladies Soccer team. The ladies section of Ballyboro FC is seeking ladies to go along and join in the fun and be part of this historic ladies soccer team. The team will place in the Roscommon League and we are looking forward to many exciting and successful games in the coming weeks and months.
If you are aged 16 and upwards and interested in being a part of a historic team then you are invited to express your interest to Graham Taaffe 087 2636701
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Volunteers needed
Ballyleague Bingo urgently needs more volunteers to join them in the Bingo/Hall Committee. If you are interested contact Patricia Manning for more details
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
50/50
Congratulations to Tina Dowd, Thureen who was last week’s winner of the Rathcline 50/50. Tina won the top prize of a remarkable €502. The draw took place in Adie’s Bar.
Living Well Programme
Living Well is a free online group programme delivered over six workshops (2.5 hrs x 6). It is delivered by trained leaders, most of whom are also living with a long-term health condition. You will develop self-management skills and confidence to live well with your health conditions. Monday next 5th, Tues 20th of September, 10.30am to 1pm, and Wed 26th Oct 10.30am to 1pm
To Book Your Place please contact Olga Maguire on 086 0142688 or email omaguire@southmayo.com
You can find more details about the programme on www.hse.ie/LivingWell
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 23rd August the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €9,600 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €9,700 for the draw on Tuesday 30th August. The winning numbers drawn on the 23rd August were 2, 3, 5 and 10. The winner of the €50 prize was Rían Ó Ceallaigh and the three €20 winners were Pam Feeney, Rathcline, Theresa Kelly, Rathcline Road and Ralph & Bridie c/o Mags.
The funds raised from the lottery is providing the financial support to do lots of planting around the town where the most recent is the ongoing creation of the orchard and the shrubs and roses planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner on the Longford Road and the flowers on the Ballymahon Road. Your continued support is enabling all the ongoing work and we encourage greater support for funding of these and other upcoming projects.
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro are: Monday 2pm-8pm, Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm. The library will be closed all day on a Thursday. Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group will meet every Monday 2pm-4pm
Poetry & Music Circle
Poetry & Music circle will revert to meeting on 2nd & 4th Monday of each month 4.15pm – 5.30pm.
Photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Kilgefin Parish
Parish Priest: Fr Dan (089 2706060)
Adoration in Ballyleague Church every Friday morning 10.30am. – 11.30a.m. and every Friday night in Curraghroe Church 8.30p.m. – 9.30p.m.
Begin Again Retreat Day
The Begin Again Retreat Day (10.30 – 3.30 pm) for Parish Pastoral Council members and other Church / Parish Volunteers, will take place at Donamon Castle, Saturday 27th August. For more info see www.elphindiocese.ie/retreat All welcome.
Volunteers Wanted
Ballyleague Bingo and Hall committee need more volunteers to join them in the Bingo/Hall Committee. If you are interested you are asked to contact Patricia Manning for more details.
Ballyleague Church: We urgently need volunteers to take up the basket collection in Ballyleague Church at mass on Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Fr. Dan.
Newsletter
Any articles for the newsletter must be in by Wednesday nights at the latest. Details to be emailed to Kilgefinparish21@gmail.com contact number 0862626639
St. Mary’s Church
Rosary Group meet in the church on Monday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30am until 8pm. It is very important that there will be at least two people in the church for each hour of the Adoration.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has resumed on Friday evenings, starting this Friday evening and it will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm. Exposition will be followed Mass at 7pm. It is also an opportunity to avail of the opportunity for Confession.
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Shannon Gaels
Our Under 13 team fought gallantly and were very unfortunate to lose with the last kick of the game in their absorbing U13 Final in Ballymahon on Wednesday last on a scoreline of Wolfe Tones 0-29 Shannon Gaels 0-28. Well done to all the players and their management for a great season.
The U15 team went down to a strong Longford Slashers team in their semi final. However, all is not lost as they now go into the plate final against the winners of Killoe Óg/Colmcille on Wednesday 14th September at 7pm in Michael Fay Park.
The Under 17 amalgamated with Ardagh team were very unfortunate not to secure victory against Southern Gaels in Cashel on Monday 22nd but still took away one point for the league table as a result of their drawn game. They will play Longford Slashers on Monday 29th in what will be a vital game in the group.
Seniors Well done to the club seniors on their enthralling victory over Clonguish in Cashel on Friday night last. They will play Carrickedmond in the final group game again in Cashel on Friday night at 8pm and we wish them the very best of luck.
Rathcline GAA
See attachment for the Cathal Chapman’s weekly update of Rathcline GAA news, it is also available on www.rathcline.com
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Championship
Our Senior men take on Western Gaels in the final group game in Strokestown on Saturday evening September 3rd. Throw in 6pm. Please support the lads. All ticket event. Tickets available on Roscommon Gas website.
U14 Champions
Massive congratulations to our U14 girls and their management Qona, Sean, Brenda and Claire on a triumphant championship campaign. The girls played some fantastic football on Sunday evening in Ballyleague and they bet a very strong Padraig Pearses team in the final on a scoreline of 7-07 to 3-03. Thanks also to the parents for all their commitment throughout the season.
U15 Championship
Hard luck to the u15 lads who suffered a narrow 1 point defeat to Clan na Gael in a real exciting and high scoring game on Sunday afternoon. Full Time score: St. Faithleach’s 6.10 Clan na Gael 5.14. U15 lads play Kilmore/Shannon Gaels next on Thursday evening in Ballyleague at 7.30pm. All support welcome.
U17 Championship
After two wins against Strokestown and Kilglass the U17’ face Dominic’s on Wednesday at 7pm in Knockcroghery. Please support
U10 Blitz
Many thanks to Roscommon LGFA for organizing a very successful blitz on club grounds last Saturday, and of course to our volunteers who had the pitches in great condition and those that helped out on the day in the shop.
Congratulations
To Ciaráin Murtagh and Mary Lou Buckley, Cork on their recent engagement. Big congratulations to Michelle Corcoran and James Ryan on their engagement also. Love is in the air in Ballyleague.
Underage Training
Continues every Thursday evening at 6:30pm at the pitch. All levels and new members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Volunteers
The minor club are looking for volunteers to help at the Underage trainings on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. If you would like to help please contact David Harrison or any club committee member.
Lotto Winner
A huge congrats to Mary O’Neill of Lanesboro who scooped our €12000 Lotto jackpot last week. A great win. Just a reminder; lotto envelopes are available at all local outlets. Thank you for your continued support. Annual Lotto subscriptions are now due for renewal before August 31st. New members welcome. You could be the next winner.